Choice and Temptation: The Lesson of Absalom

He confessed that this visit and preaching opportunity came from God, and thanked God for working through the life of Pastor Augustin Goma.

Pastor Dussaud mentioned that this message could also be beneficial to non-Christians.

Pastor Dussaud emphasized the results and impact of life choices, asking if believers make choices based on deliberation, meditation, and observation.

He cautioned against random or impulsive decision-making methods and urged everyone to reflect on how they make choices in their spiritual journey.

Pastor Dussaud believed it was necessary to confirm whether the choices believers make are the result of revelation or prayer.

He questioned 'passivity' (suivisme), simply following others, and asked individuals to examine their own motives for choosing.

He emphasized that true spiritual choices should be based on deep deliberation and spiritual conviction.

Absalom from the Old Testament intercepted people on their way to the king for judgment.

Absalom told them that no one around the king would listen to them, thus undermining trust in King David's ruling system.

This was a temptation and a strategy by Absalom to use individuals' legitimate grievances to build his own support base.

It is a question of whether Absalom's presence brought about a tangible change in how the people approached the king.

He used the question, 'Did everything start today?' to remind them of the roots and continuity of faith.

Pastor Dussaud cited Absalom's example of intercepting people going to the king to exert his influence, raising awareness about such temptations.

Absalom did not hesitate to say, 'The king's people will not listen to you,' destroying the people's trust in King David.

Such actions hindered people from approaching the king through proper channels and misled them to choose the wrong path.

Pastor Dussaud urged believers not to be swayed by external temptations like Absalom on their path of faith.

He emphasized that while God sometimes answers through children, Absalom's methods are worldly temptations, asserting that the solution to spiritual problems rests solely with God.

He stole the people's hearts by giving the impression that he could replace the king, presented as a powerful example of temptation.

Pastor Dussaud clearly stated that no name other than Jesus can bring salvation.

He emphasized that any teaching not in the name of Jesus Christ is without life.

He asserted that any proposition deviating from the essence of the Gospel is meaningless, and only the name of Jesus is the sole path to salvation.

Pastor Dussaud expressed concern over impulsive decisions to break ties with the church or pastors, urging self-examination of the motives behind such decisions.

He advised against being led astray by outward beauty or persuasiveness, and to judge carefully.

He warned that even believers who have long practiced their faith can be swayed by new 'voices,' and referred to John 10, stating that the thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy.

Through Absalom's emergence, he warned of the dangers of sweet temptations and external allure, emphasizing that wrong choices can destroy the soul regardless of the depth of one's faith.

Pastor Dussaud warned against the danger of opening the door of one's soul, beyond merely listening to advice.

He questioned why a believer, saved by the precious blood of Jesus Christ, would compromise with worldly temptations.

He interpreted temptation as targeting not only a believer's time but also their very soul, emphasizing its seriousness.

He stressed that allowing oneself to open the door could lead to allowing destruction.

Pastor Dussaud mentioned that in the past, Ahithophel, though wise enough to substitute God's will, brought about his own destruction by siding with Absalom.

He cautioned against believers abandoning their faith and listening to rebellious advice, urging vigilance against the destructive consequences of misguided associations.

He asserted that believers should follow Jesus' teachings, not the advice of others.

Pastor Dussaud clearly stated that participation in Holy Communion is restricted to baptized (immersion) believers.

As a second condition, participating believers must be at peace with Jesus Christ; if they feel unworthy, he encouraged confession and repentance through prayer before the ceremony.